Making A Difference: 'It's Only Right To Give Back,' Relay Volunteer Says

May 30, 2008|By ZAK MINOR, zminor@dailypress.com 247-7429

After Bonnie Williams was diagnosed with cancer, she was reluctant to go to a Relay For Life event because she didn't want to be seen as a victim.

She went anyway, and the experience convinced her that the event, which celebrates survivors and raises awareness and money for cancer research, was a worthwhile cause. She soon became a team captain and has been at it for 10 years.

Williams is the team recruitment chairwoman for the York-Poquoson Relay For Life and a member of Racing to Erase Cancer, the York County School Board Office team.

Q: Why did you get involved with Relay For Life?

A: In 1998, the first year after being diagnosed with cancer, a friend introduced me to Relay For Life. I told no one that I was going since I was hesitant to be seen as a victim and was still new to the role of survivor. However, as I proudly walked the survivor lap to the smiles and cheers of strangers and, more importantly, members of the School Board office team, I was hooked.

Q: What kind of work do you do?

A: I began working for the organization the year after my first Relay as a team captain for Dare Elementary School, where I was principal. I continued in this role until 2000. I then joined the SBO team. When we started the York-Poquoson site, I was asked to serve as the sponsorship chairperson. I did that for one year and have been the team recruitment chair for three years.

Q: How many hours do you volunteer in an average week?

A: The actual numbers of hours vary with the needs of the time. Obviously, as team recruitment chair, my busy time is from September until March, as we encourage businesses, schools, service clubs and churches to join in our celebration. However, I am always eager to educate, support or spread the word concerning ACS (American Cancer Society) and the Relay.

Q: How has this service challenged you?

A: I am not sure challenge is the correct term. I feel I am just giving back to repay those who worked before me and supported the research that enabled me to still be alive.

Q: Why do you continue to volunteer?

A: It is my hope that I can, in some small way, give hope to other people who hear the dreaded words, "You have cancer." When I heard those words, I was not sure I would see age 50, but I drew strength and support from others who had fought the good fight and won. I feel it is my turn to help others find that belief that they will win. With the funds we raise and the dedication of those working to defeat cancer, I believe that someday cancer will become the polio of its time.

Q: What is your most memorable experience with Relay For Life?

A: I think my most memorable moment was when the entire Dare Elementary School staff showed up to surprise me as I came to the caregiver lap of the Relay. The lighting of the luminaria is always memorable as a time to remember those no longer walking with us and to celebrate with those who can still make the circuit.

Q: Why is it important to volunteer?

A: For me, it is important to give back. I have been so fortunate in my life, my career and in surviving cancer for 10 years that it only seems right to share my time and energy as others did for me. It is so easy to say, "I don't have time," but when you are faced with cancer, you realize how you find the time to do something if it is important. I didn't have the time to have chemo and radiation, but I never missed a treatment. Now I need to make the same effort to work for ACS.

Q: If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

A: I would like the power to heal so that there would be no need to have Relays, MD telethons, Walks for Arthritis, March of Dimes, etc. Meanwhile, I will use the power of a smile and kind word to hopefully make someone's day a little better.